When you purchased your home, what were some things you worried about? Most people have concerns over fires starting or storms causing damage. For this reason, most opt to purchase comprehensive homeowners insurance, as this is a good way to put anxieties at ease. Homeowners insurance, however, does not protect against everything. One thing it doesn’t typically cover is termite damage, as this kind of damage is considered a “preventable disaster.” To help you keep termites from chewing away at your Wilmington, NC home, here are some do’s and don'ts to follow.
Do: Address Moisture Problems
The subterranean termite, the most common and destructive breed in our area, is attracted to moisture. To address moisture problems inside your home, start by repairing leaky piping and fixtures. Once this is done, check your gutters to ensure they are clean, in good repair, and properly channeling water away from your home’s exterior. Finally, consider using a dehumidifier indoors, especially during the most humid months of the year.
Don’t: Trust Over The Counter Solutions
Termites are hard to identify. This also makes it difficult to know when treatments are working and when they are not. In addition to this, most over-the-counter termite treatments are harmful to people and animals or ineffective at fully eliminating termite colonies. They are also pricey and can easily drain your wallet if the first “solution” doesn’t get the job done.
Do: Remove Things That Attract Termites
There are several things that attract termites to properties. Mostly, these pests are looking for sources of food. To remove tasty treats from your yard, we recommend starting with a good cleanup. This should involve picking up sticks, raking leaves, and clearing out any other wood-based clutter like newspapers and cardboard. After this, check your property for fallen/dead trees and decaying stumps. Have these larger meals professionally removed. If you have wood for fire pits or untreated lumber, store them at least 30 feet from your home’s exterior. Finally, be careful about what mulch you use around your home. Many products have wood chips which quickly attract termites.
Don’t: Use Essential Oils
One DIY termite control method that just doesn’t work is essential oils. Although it is true that termites do not prefer certain scents, the amount of oil one would have to use to keep these pests away would cost a small fortune. The biggest problem is that essential oils go away and do nothing to eliminate termites, so even if you do spend a ton of money on this prevention strategy, it won’t last for long.
Do: Repair Your Home’s Wood
Termites invade structural wood that is water damaged, rotting, or in decay. If termites are not already inside your Wilmington home, it is wise to have your home’s wood inspected and repaired as needed. Do the same for your outbuildings, such as sheds, garages, and gazebos.
Don’t: Wait Till Signs Show Up To Address Termites
Most pests are easily identifiable, like ants and flies. Termites, on the other hand, do well at staying hidden while chewing their way through homes. The last thing we want is for you to find out your walls are filled with termites that have already caused serious damage. To make sure this doesn’t happen, let the experts at Jay Taylor Exterminating inspect your home and property. One of our technicians will evaluate your risk of termite problems and suggest methods to eliminate and prevent these destructive pests.
Give our team a call now to discuss your termite control options and schedule your Wilmington property for a detailed termite inspection.